What am I doing wrong: Can’t catch any stripers or blues lately so if figured I would try for scup? I don’t like bait fishing so I am using 4 inch gulp grubs Every time I get hit the...

Neil mahoney Loc: Warren ri

Can’t catch any stripers or blues lately so if figured I would try for scup? I don’t like bait fishing so I am using 4 inch gulp grubs Every time I get hit the fish I assume bites the tail off right at the hook. Hook is at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches to end of grub basically right before tail of grub

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Neil mahoney wrote:

Can’t catch any stripers or blues lately so if figured I would try for scup? I don’t like bait fishing so I am using 4 inch gulp grubs Every time I get hit the fish I assume bites the tail off right at the hook. Hook is at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches to end of grub basically right before tail of grub

Neil, I was wondering if you’ve ever tried a circle hook? They do catch fish but I don’t know if they’ll get work with stripers or blues. It’s worth a try. Good luck.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

hacksaw wrote:

Neil, I was wondering if you’ve ever tried a circle hook? They do catch fish but I don’t know if they’ll get work with stripers or blues. It’s worth a try. Good luck.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

They're mandatory for Stripers if you're using bait, on the East Coast Keith.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Neil mahoney wrote:

Can’t catch any stripers or blues lately so if figured I would try for scup? I don’t like bait fishing so I am using 4 inch gulp grubs Every time I get hit the fish I assume bites the tail off right at the hook. Hook is at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches to end of grub basically right before tail of grub

I'd recommend a shorter bait for Porgies, they have a small mouth. When we used clams, we only let about a half inch dangle off the hook.

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Fredfish wrote:

They're mandatory for Stripers if you're using bait, on the East Coast Keith.

I didn’t know that but when I fished for Spotted Sea Bass (Trout) and Reds, I always used a circle hook. I even caught a Flounder using one.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

hacksaw wrote:

I didn’t know that but when I fished for Spotted Sea Bass (Trout) and Reds, I always used a circle hook. I even caught a Flounder using one.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

We have such a tiny Slot Length, 28"-31" that most have to be released. They figure that less fish swallow a circle hook.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Neil mahoney wrote:

Can’t catch any stripers or blues lately so if figured I would try for scup? I don’t like bait fishing so I am using 4 inch gulp grubs Every time I get hit the fish I assume bites the tail off right at the hook. Hook is at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches to end of grub basically right before tail of grub

Neil, check out the Z man diesel baits. They are tougher than Gulp. They have a slit on them to add scent inside instead of rubbing it on. I use Pro Cure shrimp scent.

The more glitter on the bait seems to attract them vs the plain colored ones.

Neil mahoney Loc: Warren ri

Yea I understand about circle hooks using bait, but I was using small 4 inch lures, and a small hook, and they always bit just below the hook. I can’t wait for fall run of stripers and blues they hit anything

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Neil mahoney wrote:

Yea I understand about circle hooks using bait, but I was using small 4 inch lures, and a small hook, and they always bit just below the hook. I can’t wait for fall run of stripers and blues they hit anything

Fish are weird Neil. I watched Crappie through a live scope and you might be amazed at how many tasted the jigs and we never felt a thing. Then there were those that almost pulled the rod out our hands, but never bit the hook. When they’re hungry or in mating season they’ll just about bite anything. Before my buddy got down scope, no telling how many Crappie I missed because I never felt them.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

hacksaw wrote:

Fish are weird Neil. I watched Crappie through a live scope and you might be amazed at how many tasted the jigs and we never felt a thing. Then there were those that almost pulled the rod out our hands, but never bit the hook. When they’re hungry or in mating season they’ll just about bite anything. Before my buddy got down scope, no telling how many Crappie I missed because I never felt them.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

Hack Smallmouth a he same way brother.
Definitely need to be a line watcher.
They'll pick it up n swim away.
My biggest was the slightest little tick 👍🎣

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

plumbob wrote:

Neil, check out the Z man diesel baits. They are tougher than Gulp. They have a slit on them to add scent inside instead of rubbing it on. I use Pro Cure shrimp scent.

The more glitter on the bait seems to attract them vs the plain colored ones.

Totally agree Bob
Zman one durable bait 👍🎣

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Grizzly 17 wrote:

Hack Smallmouth a he same way brother.
Definitely need to be a line watcher.
They'll pick it up n swim away.
My biggest was the slightest little tick 👍🎣

Isn’t it amazing how gentle they can be when looking for food. Many times a Crappy would surface and have my jig in its mouth. Fish are amazing.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

hacksaw wrote:

Isn’t it amazing how gentle they can be when looking for food. Many times a Crappy would surface and have my jig in its mouth. Fish are amazing.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

They sure are Hack.
The little one will peck.
My biggest catfish n carp did the same thing.
Pick it up n headed up river.
That's what keeps fishing interesting.

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Grizzly 17 wrote:

They sure are Hack.
The little one will peck.
My biggest catfish n carp did the same thing.
Pick it up n headed up river.
That's what keeps fishing interesting.

Yessir, that’s what keeps us fishing and hoping for catching.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺